Ammonia spill from unusual circumstances

Press, 27 April 1983, Page 23

Ammonia spill from unusual circumstances

PA Wellington The latest spillage of ammonia from the Natural Gas Corporation’s plant into the Kapuni Stream was caused by a combination of unusual circumstances, says the Minister of Energy, Mr Birch.

Urgent action was being taken to reduce the possibility of future spillages, he said.

The corporation and the Ministry of Works were conducting a review of the plant’s drainage system. They would also examine the possibility of providing storage facilities to allow dangerous liquids to be removed from the work area, Mr Birch said.

The report on the spillage, released by the Minister, showed that the main reason for the accident was a faulty valve. Modifications to part of

the plant were being carried out when the fault was noticed. Normal procedures were followed but because of a misunderstanding some ammonia was spilt. The report said that a maintenance foreman had obtained the wrong type of face mask necessary for the job. The supervisor returned to the store to obtain a correct one but while he was away his assistants carried on with the work.

Ammonia began spilling from a pipe joint and could not be stopped until the supervisor returned wearing the proper breathing apparatus.

Ah estimated 500 litres of ammonia escaped. Most was collected, but 100 litres spilled on to the ground. It was washed down and eventually found its way into stormwater drains and then into the stream.